H3 Front Locker from ARB

[The Roadie]

Not clear where driveline discussions go. Anyway, a post on the OS about a new True Trac limited slip available for the 8.0" rear diff got me into a heavy search mode since I've been ignoring spending big $$ since I was out of work.

Anyway - I think it's time to get excited:

Hmmmm, driveline enthusiasts should snag this file I just found a link to:
http://www.aam.com/file.php/255/axle+shaft+brochure.pdf

Has part numbers and exploded views of all the AAM offerings, including the H3 aluminum front diff same size ring gears as us, and the same carrier. Haven't found a link yet to the iron diff housing used in the H3 Alpha to see if their carrier is the same. That might mean their selectable locker could fit.

Hmmmm, GM 25892846 - electric locker for H3 front diff. $1600 from parts4chevys.com. Eek. But available if you want it.

New ARB not listed at Randy's?

H3/T ARB.HH3-RD184 (FRONT) 849.99$
• 28 spline axle.
• 30.5mm [1.20"] axle shaft diameter (outside of splines).
• 10 bolt ring gear.
• 117.51mm [4.63"] dia. ring gear ID.
• 193mm [7.6"] dia. ring gear OD.

H3/T ARB.HH3-RD84 (REAR) 849.99$
http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/ne...e/RD148_PR.pdf
• Airlocker Differential
• Shaft Spline 30
• Ratio 2.73 And Up
• RG
• Semi-Floating
• Kit includes Activation Switch, Solenoid Valve, Airline and Bulkhead Fittings


Make sure to snag this:
http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/ne...e/RD148_PR.pdf
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[Philberto]

I'm intrigued... might have to see how cheap I can source this thing. Then again, I'm also in need of a rear locker first.

[TB_KSV68]

Saw the discuss on the OS.

No help to us since we are 8.6.

The front locker is promising tho, but $1600....YIKES

OH---CHECK YOUR pm'S

[The Roadie]

I searched a bit more. I used to think ringpinion.com (Randy's Ring & Pinion) was the ONE TRUE source for all good data. Now I'm not so sure. I think they were the original source that said our AAM 725 front diff was the same as the H3 except for the housing - ours being the oil pan mount design instead of free standing.

The AAM PDF and other sources I looked at say the H3/Colorado/Canyon uses the AAM 760, and they have both aluminum (early production) and cast iron (Alpha and the H3T), but the AAM 725 was used by the Astro/Safari van (coincidentally, my last vehicle was an AWD Safari) and the S-series Blazers.

So it might all have been another false lead. AlekG went through all this and had to call Randy's on the phone to find his gear set for the 7.2, but why would the H3 share our gear set if they're different size? Randy's web site now totally omits mention of the front 7.2 diff even for the s-series where it used to be listed. Time for a phone call.